Shirako is the common name of a dish made with the main ingredient being the testicles of male sea fish. This part is located inside the body of male sea fish, skillfully removed by chefs while still fresh. Many people believe that this is probably the strangest dish in Japan.
Shirako is mainly made from cod in the winter from January to March. In the land of cherry blossoms ” Diners can order this dish at any sushi restaurant.
Cod’s sperm sacs are shaped like the brain with large milky white folds.
In addition to promoting anti-aging, many proteins and B vitamins are good for health. Japanese people like fish testicles because they believe they have high nutrient content, especially for men. Therefore, this expensive specialty is also considered a “miracle drug” that is very popular with men.
There are many ways to prepare fish testicles. Most commonly eaten raw with onions and perilla leaves. The chef will cut the testicles into bite-sized pieces, rub them with salt, then wash them thoroughly with water.
For those who enjoy it for the first time, they inevitably feel hesitant because the strong fishy taste is still intact. Those who are familiar with it say that this is a delicious dish with a soft and smooth texture that melts quickly like smooth butter on the tip of the tongue when bitten.
If diners cannot eat it raw, they can choose to cook it. They are processed into many different dishes such as grilled, fried or steamed. The most popular way is to steam fish testicles with shiitake mushrooms, kimchi mushrooms, and carrots to help increase the fatty flavor of the dish. When cooked, they will be harder and yellow in color.
At winter, Japanese people often choose shirako as a typical dish to welcome the new year. If it is cod testicles, it will make the dish more complete. However, this expensive ingredient is only available in winter when the cod reaches its largest size and is at its most delicious.
This is considered the “golden period” in the fish’s reproductive process, so the quality is high. and the taste of Shirako is hard to match.
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